Rockford High School freshman details norovirus experience after dining at Margarita's Restaurant

MLive file photoMargarita's Restaurant in Holland remains voluntarily closed after an outbreak of the norovirus affected more than 200 diners this weekend.

HOLLAND, MI -- Rockford resident Lauren Mast, 14, was spending last weekend in Holland with her mom when the pair chose to grab dinner at Margarita's Restaurant on Friday night.

The next day, she found herself to be one of the about 200 patrons of the restaurant who have been affected by the norovirus.

"On Saturday, we were at my friend’s house and I started not feeling good and I didn’t know why," Mast said.

The Ottawa County Health Department today identified norovirus as the cause for the about 200 diners who reported feeling sick throughout the weekend after dining at the restaurant. Margarita's, located at 495 W. 17th St, remains voluntarily closed.

When Mast's mom took her home from her friend's house at about 11 p.m. on Saturday, Mast began vomiting and said she didn't stop until about 8 a.m. on Sunday morning. She was out of commission the rest of the day Sunday and most of the day Monday as well, but has been feeling better today -- despite still feeling lightheaded and having a sore stomach.

The norovirus can easily spread from person to person, according to the health department. The virus is found in the stool and vomit of those infected and can be spread by touching contaminated surfaces or people and by consuming food or drinks that are contaminated. Norovirus typically isn't serious, but there isn't a treatment or vaccine to combat it.

Mast, an entering freshman at Rockford High School, said the chicken and vegetable fajitas she ate at the restaurant tasted good and she didn't use the restroom during her time at the establishment. She's unsure where she caught the virus, but she doesn't hold it against the restaurant.

"The food tasted really good - I didn’t think anything was wrong with the food," Mast said.

Mast said she has a doctor's appointment scheduled for Wednesday to seek treatment for her norovirus symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic's website, symptoms of the virus can last for a few days, but most people are able to get over the illness without treatment.

Mast spent most of the day Monday laying low and watching the Olympics, but she was able to make it to a volleyball boot camp today and has been able to stomach a piece of toast and some bread.

"I'm not mad about it. I don't blame it on them," she said of the restaurant. "They probably just forgot to wash their hands or something."

More information is available at the Ottawa County Health Department’s website.